Wearable system for detection of environmental hazards

ABSTRACT

The disclosed wearable device systems include several features for alerting and guiding persons who are approaching or near to potentially hazardous or high-risk conditions in their nearby environment. Sensor data from wearable devices (also referred to herein as “wearables”) are used to determine the presence of various unsafe environmental conditions and phenomenon, including dangerous terrain or other unusual conditions. The wearable would be used to warn a person, for example via auditory or haptic-based feedback, if the person is about to encounter an unsafe condition. In particular, the proposed systems can be of great benefit to the visually impaired, those persons with physical disabilities, or persons otherwise vulnerable to particular environmental conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/057,773 filed on Jul. 28, 2020 and titled“Wearable System for Detection of Environmental Hazards”, the disclosureof which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a system for detectingunsafe conditions and, more particularly, to a system that utilizes datacollected by one or more wearable devices to detect dangerous conditionsand alert and/or guide users of such conditions.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles or persons travelling on foot may encounter hazardousconditions such as flood waters, ice, or oil on a roadway or path. Forexample, according to FEMA, just six inches of fast-moving water couldknock down an adult pedestrian. For an individual traveling on foot,water measuring about 20″ deep and moving with a velocity of two milesper hour will present an increased risk to most adults. Ice and oilslicks may cause pedestrians to lose their balance, and may often resultin dangerous accidents. In addition, just 12 inches of fast-moving floodwater could cause an average vehicle to lose firm contact with theroadway, rendering steering and braking systems ineffective.

These and other dangerous environmental conditions, stemming fromweather, uneven ground surfaces, construction, and other sources, can bedangerous to individuals, particularly in cases where there is lowvisibility. Individuals may approach dangerous conditions and reach avery close proximity to the individuals before the individual becomesaware of the danger. For example, some snowstorms or thunderstormsdevelop very quickly and/or may travel rapidly across the countryside.Heavy storms may cause flooding or road blocks, which can pose a dangerto pedestrians and drivers alike. Similarly, cracks in sidewalks androads, as well as unexpected debris, are associated with a greaterlikelihood of accidents and injury. Individuals may benefit from earlynotice and guidance as to how to avoid these hazards.

There is a need in the art for systems and methods that address theshortcomings discussed above. In particular, there is a need in the artfor monitoring systems that can provide personalized, real-time guidanceto a user.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a wearable environmental monitoring system includes anarticle of apparel including a first sensor and a second sensor, and asystem controller associated with the article of apparel that furtherincludes a processor and machine-readable media including instructions.The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor toreceive first data about one or more conditions of a physicalenvironment in a sensor range of the article of apparel from the firstsensor, and to determine, based on the first data, that an unsafecondition is present at a first location in the physical environment. Inaddition, the instructions cause the processor to receive second dataabout a speed and direction of the article of apparel during a firsttime period from the second sensor, and to determine, based on thesecond data, that the article of apparel was approaching the firstlocation during the first time period. Furthermore, the instructionscause the processor to cause, in response to the determination that thearticle of apparel is approaching the first location during the firsttime period, a first alert to be generated by a first feedback componentof the article of apparel.

In another aspect, a wearable environmental monitoring system fordetecting unsafe conditions includes a first article of apparel to whicha first sensor and a first feedback component are attached, a systemcontroller associated with the first article of apparel and connected toboth the first sensor and the first feedback component, and arechargeable battery configured to provide power to the wearableenvironmental monitoring system.

In another aspect, a method of alerting a user of a wearableenvironmental monitoring system to the presence of a nearby unsafecondition includes a first step of receiving first data from a firstsensor about one or more conditions of a physical environment in asensor range of an article of apparel worn by the user, where thearticle of apparel includes the first sensor. A second step includesdetermining, based on the first data, that an unsafe condition ispresent at a first location in the physical environment, and a thirdstep includes receiving second data about a speed and direction of theuser during a first time period from a second sensor of the article ofapparel. In addition, a fourth step includes determining, based on thesecond data, that the user was approaching the first location during thefirst time period. Furthermore, a fifth step includes causing, inresponse to the determination that the user is approaching the firstlocation during the first time period, a first alert to be generated bya first feedback component of the article of apparel.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is an illustration depicting an overview of a wearableenvironmental monitoring system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wearable environmental monitoringsystem, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing some examples of informationsources that may be accessed by a warning management system for thewearable environmental monitoring system of FIG. 2 , according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of some safety response mechanisms foruse by a warning manager, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of some profile options that may beimplemented by the system, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an example of a visually impaired person beforeand after employing a wearable environmental monitoring system,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a dog walker employing a wearableenvironmental monitoring system during low visibility conditions,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an urban area in which multiple users areeach employing wearable environmental monitoring systems, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an example of a user interface for a wearable environmentalmonitoring system in which a new route is recommended to a disableduser, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting a process of alerting a user of awearable environmental monitoring system of an approaching unsafecondition, according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed wearable device systems include several features foralerting and guiding persons who are approaching or near to potentiallyhazardous or high-risk environmental conditions. In one example, thedisclosed systems are configured to receive sensor data from wearabledevices (also referred to herein as “wearables”), such as smart devicesembedded in articles of apparel, to detect the presence of variousenvironmental conditions, including dangerous terrain or other unusualconditions. It will be understood that, for purposes of thisspecification and claims, the term “environmental condition” shall referto conditions in the general proximity of an individual person.Environmental conditions may include indoor and/or outdoor conditions;furthermore, dangerous or hazardous environmental conditions may includeunsafe conditions as determined by the wearer's physical abilities andmeans of transport.

The proposed systems and methods contemplate an arrangement in which oneor more wearables including such sensors would be used to warn a personif they are about to encounter an unsafe condition. For example, as willbe described in detail herein, a wearable with one or more sensors couldscan the ground near a user and detect icy walkway conditions or anuneven sidewalk. In some embodiments, the system can connect to anetwork to share information about the location or status of safetyhazards. The wearable system could then generate an audio and/orhaptic-based alert to the person to warn them that they are, forexample, about to step on ice or pass over an uneven part of thesidewalk. In particular, the proposed systems can be of great benefit tothe visually impaired, those persons with physical disabilities, orpersons otherwise vulnerable to particular environmental conditions.

The embodiments disclosed herein assist the user in detecting unsafeconditions, such as surface irregularities on the road and other paths,slippery surfaces, obstacles, and other aspects which may createdangerous conditions while traveling on a road or path. As onenon-limiting example, it can be appreciated that driving, biking, orwalking on ice can be extremely dangerous. Ice often causes vehicles tolose traction, resulting in skidding and rendering steering and brakingsystems ineffective. Black ice is particularly dangerous because itremains difficult to detect. For pedestrians, undetected black ice canresult in dangerous slips and falls resulting in serious injury.Similarly, oil slicks and other hazards such as fallen trees, boulders,broken-down vehicles, fallen power lines, broken or uneven surfaces, andother objects in a roadway can create serious hazards for drivers. Asused herein, the term “pedestrian” shall include a walker, a jogger, arunner, or a hiker, as well as any person engaging in other similaractivities. The term “rider” or “driver” refers to users of vehiclessuch as cars and trucks, as well as persons using bicycles, hoverboards,skateboards, wheelchairs, scooters, Segways®, and other personaltransporter vehicles. The embodiments described herein detect a broadrange of irregularities in roadways or paths using smart sensors, whichmay be embedded or otherwise disposed within a user's article of apparel(i.e., in clothing or footwear or other wearable accessories). Forexample, the sensor(s) analyze the images for particular environmentalconditions, determine the boundaries and type of hazard, and alert theuser of potential danger.

Furthermore, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “article ofapparel” refers to any garment, footwear, or accessory configured to beworn on or carried by a human. Some non-limiting examples of articles ofapparel include tops, bottoms, outerwear, helmets, hats, caps, shirts,jackets, coats, vests, undershirts, tank tops, pants, leggings, gloves,scarves, armbands, headbands, jewelry, hair clips, belts, waist bands,belt bags (“fanny packs”), shorts, sleeves, knee pads, elbow pads,socks, shoes, boots, backpacks, duffel bags, cinch sacks, and straps, aswell as numerous other products configured to be worn on or carried by aperson. In some cases, the article of apparel can also be worn by ananimal or disposed on another article carried by or in possession of theuser.

For purposes of clarity, an overview of one embodiment of the proposedsystems and methods is illustrated with reference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 isan illustration of a wearable environmental monitoring and alert system(“system”) 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a smartarticle 120 (shown here as an article of clothing comprising a “top” inwhich a plurality of sensors has been embedded or otherwise attached)worn by a first user 110. In this case, the top is a vest that can beworn alone or over another shirt, dress, or other top. The smart article120 in this case includes a first (forward-facing) sensor 122 located ona torso region of the top, and a second (rearward-facing) sensor 124located on a back region of the top. As will be discussed herein, inother embodiments, there may be fewer or more sensors, and the sensorscan be disposed at other or additional locations on the smart article120.

In FIG. 1 , first user 110 is a jogger moving through a neighborhoodpark 150 near dusk, as symbolized by setting sun 140. While the park 150may or may not include artificial lights 160, such light sources can befar apart or limited in number, and offer little illumination fornavigating unexpected unsafe conditions found along a pedestrian path130 in the park 150. For example, a first unsafe condition (“firstcondition”) 132 comprising a set of potholes is depicted only a few feetin front of the first user 110, who approaches in dim lighting and atspeed. In this case, the first sensor 122, which in some embodiments mayinclude night vision cameras implementing techniques as imageintensification, active illumination, and thermal imaging to captureinformation in low-light conditions, can detect the approaching firstcondition 132 and, in response, the system can cause a signal to begenerated to alert the user and/or re-route the first user 110. In oneembodiment, there may be only one alert, or the alert may repeat untilthe danger has passed, depending on the user's preferences and systemconfiguration. The repeating alerts may be static (i.e., unchanging) orvary as the user comes closer to the detected condition. As onenon-limiting example, two alerts are presented to first user 110 in FIG.1 . Initially, a first alert 180 (“Alert: Approaching uneven surfacearea in one meter”) is emitted as audio via headphones 170 worn by firstuser 110. This is followed by a second alert 190 (“Alert: Approachinguneven surface area in half a meter”) that is emitted as audio throughheadphones 170 as the first user 110 comes closer to the first condition132.

In different embodiments, such audio output can be personalized and/orselected from a list of available audio types. Various types of soundscan be incorporated into the warning, and volume, speed of playback, andvoice type can be adjusted to correspond to the user's preferences. Thespoken words can be entered by the user or pre-selected by the systemdefaults. For example, additional spoken navigation type directions maybe produced, such as “Move forward”, “Go to your left”. In someembodiments, rather than spoken utterances, the audible alert or messagecan be conveyed by different types of sounds (e.g., shrill whistles,ringing, beeps, chimes, tones, etc.) that can change in type, intensity(e.g., loudness or sound level), and frequency based on the device'sproximity to the detected unsafe condition. In other cases, the alertcan be presented by proprioceptive or haptic feedback emitted by thewearable article. In one embodiment, smart article 120 can include oneor more haptic feedback components that produce various types ofvibrations or other touch-based information to the user in order toconvey information. As one non-limiting example, the frequency and/orintensity (i.e., strength) of the vibration can increase as proximity tothe unsafe condition increases, and decrease as proximity decreases.

The system 100 can further include a system controller module (see FIG.2 ) that is integrated or embedded or otherwise connected to the sensorsof smart article 120. The controller may include various computing andcommunications hardware, such as servers, integrated circuits, displays,etc. Further, a controller may include a device processor and anon-transitory computer readable medium including instructionsexecutable by device processor to perform the processes discussedherein. The components of controller may be implemented in associationwith a mobile device, such as smart phone or tablet, and/or be incommunication with a cloud-based control center or conditions monitoringcenter via a network connection. Thus, in different embodiments, acontroller may include networking hardware configured to interface withother nodes of a network, such as a LAN, WLAN, or other networks. Insome embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive data froma plurality of sources and communicate information to one or moreexternal destinations. Accordingly, a controller may include a receiverand a transmitter. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, thereceiver and transmitter may be combined in a transceiver. Any suitablecommunication platforms and/or protocols may be utilized forcommunication between the controller and other components of the system.Since the various sources of information may each have their ownplatform and/or protocol, system 100 may be configured to interface witheach platform and/or protocol to receive the data.

In some embodiments, the computer readable medium may includeinstructions executable by the device processor to perform stepsincluding receiving data from one or more devices or sensors. In someembodiments, computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving data from one or more wearable sensors. For example, thesystem 100 may also include or communicate with a device that furtherincludes a display configured to display data, which may includemessages, information, and/or interactive options for the user to submitrequests or responses to the system 100. While in some embodiments thedisplay is provided with system 100, for example, as a panel displayembedded on the smart article 120, in other embodiments, the system 100may be configured to display information on user's own device.

It will also be noted that while the smart article 120 is illustrated asbeing configured to be worn on the torso of the wearer, in otherembodiments, system 100 may include smart wearables worn on other partsof the body. For example, other types of wearable devices may be wornaround the neck, arm, or waist; attached to clothing; or worn in anyother manner. Additionally, or alternatively, system 100 may include orbe in communication with other types of devices besides wearabledevices. For example, the controller may be configured to receive datafrom various Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Exemplary such devicesmay include various types of environmental sensors, such as temperaturesensors, pressure sensors, moisture and humidity sensors, clouddatabases, other users' sensors, etc.

In order to provide the reader with a greater appreciation of some ofthe embodiments, FIG. 2 depicts a schematic overview of an embodiment ofa wearable environmental monitoring and alert system (“system”) 200. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2 , the system 200 includes a plurality of sensordevices (“sensors”) 210, a controller 250, and signaling components 270.The system 200 further includes a power source (not shown in FIG. 2 ),such as a rechargeable battery, which may be recharged by the user by acharger cable. In some embodiments, the system 200 includes a solarpowered battery, and the smart apparel may include one or more solarcells distributed throughout the external surface of the wearable.Furthermore, while in some embodiments various modules and components ofsystem 200 can be configured to connect to a network (see FIG. 3 ), itcan be appreciated that the system 200 is able to function and providefeedback to a user while offline. In other words, a user can rely on thesystem 200 as an independent, comprehensive system that is able to workin areas without a network or in situations where the user does notdesire any such connection.

In different embodiments, the sensors 210 can include one or more typesof a device, module, machine, or subsystem whose purpose is to detectevents or changes in its environment and convey the detected informationto the sensor data processor 220. The smart wearable apparel selected bya user can include some or all of these sensor devices, and in somecases, there may be multiple instances of the same type of sensorincluded in the smart wearable apparel and arranged at differentlocations around the apparel. Some non-limiting examples of such sensorsinclude (a) Smoke, Gas and Alcohol (and/or other chemicals) sensors; (b)Temperature sensors; (c) Pressure sensors; (d) Cameras and other imageand/or light sensors; (e) Smoke/Flame sensors; (f) Moisture/Humiditysensors; (g) Electrostatic sensors; (h) Audio sensors and othersound/volume sensors (e.g., microphones); (i) Motion/speed sensors; (j)Gyroscopes; (k) Accelerometers; (l) Wind Speed sensors; (m) Proximitysensors; and (n) Infrared and Heat sensors. In addition, in someembodiments, sensors 210 can include ultrasonic sensors, touch sensors,aerosol characterization sensors, magnetometers, color sensors, tiltsensors, and flow and level sensors. Thus, in different embodiments,sensors 210 may collect data regarding location, speed, and direction ofthe user wearing the system and/or of objects near the user.Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the sensors 210 maybe configured to collect atmospheric data, such as atmospherictemperature and/or atmospheric pressure. Monitoring such parameters mayenable the system to detect dangerous weather conditions, such asstorms, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the sensors 210 mayinclude biometric sensors configured to monitor personal data regardingthe wearer of the wearable apparel, for example by collecting data fromthe wearable's heartrate monitor and/or pedometer, in order to assessthe physical condition, level of activity and/or ability of the wearer.

In some cases, sensors 210 can refer to one or more of a stationaryinternet of things (IoT) device(s) (“smart sensors”) that communicateover a network. Smart sensors could comprise any of a variety ofdifferent IoT devices and other smart devices that may include one ormore sensors. The smart sensors can be located in the apparel itself, orbe stationed at other locations in the area (see FIG. 7 ). Supplementaldata from such smart sensors can be received by the system and used todetermine routes and areas of danger and/or safety with more precision.

In different embodiments, data collected by sensors 210 can be used bythe system 200 to identify potential unsafe environmental conditionsand/or present navigational to help guide a person to a safe position.In FIG. 2 , data is transmitted to a sensor data processor 220 ofcontroller 250 which prepares the data for use by a warning managementsystem 230 (see FIG. 3 ). The warning management system 230 can accessvarious modules 252 including but not limited to a memory 254,pre-programmed maps 256, a navigation system 258, a guidance system 260,and/or a communication system 262. As a general matter, pre-programmedmaps 256 can refer to downloaded or otherwise offline (locally stored)information about the geographical area and/or terrain the user istraveling in. The maps can be provided with the system 200 or can bedownloaded and/or updated via a network as desired or necessary. In someembodiments, the maps can include information for outdoor areas, as wellas indoor areas such as large stores, malls, schools, businesses,offices, etc. In one embodiment, a user may upload a map for an indoorlocation that he or she is familiar with and frequently visits. In oneembodiment, the sensors 210 can collect data that will be used toautomatically generate maps based on indoor positioning systems,user-uploaded maps, as well as maps obtained from municipal databasesshowing detailed schematic layouts of various buildings and streetlayouts. These maps can be used, in conjunction with user feedback andpreferences, to identify preferred routes and secondary (alternative)routes.

In some embodiments, this information may be used in conjunction withnavigation system 258, which includes a location data processor that canidentify a user's current location and heading, for example via a GPSincluded in the system 200. The guidance system 260 comprises any systemcapable of providing directions and/or other kinds of routinginformation between two or more locations. In some cases, guidancesystem 260 can provide directions in an outdoor environment. In othercases, guidance system 260 can provide directions in an indoorenvironment. In some cases, guidance system 260 may provide directionsin both outdoor and indoor environments.

In different embodiments, output from the warning management system 230(as will be described in greater detail in FIG. 3 ) can cause variousalerts or other messages to be generated by one or more feedbackcomponents 270. For example, feedback components 270 can include haptictechnology for tactile-based feedback, speakers or audio jack forauditory-based feedback, and/or a display, LEDs, or video jack forpresenting visual indicators and other visual-based information.

In some embodiments, particularly in cases where the feedback components270 includes or is configured to communicate with an onboard display oruser computing device such as a mobile phone or tablet, the system 200can include interactive options and control mechanisms to the user. Forexample, a user application (“application” or “app”) may be provided bywhich the user can create an account, select a profile, and/or adjustvarious settings and preferences. In some embodiments, the applicationcan be downloaded to be accessible locally via the controller 250 or theuser's own computing device. The application can in some cases offer asystem interface (“interface”) for accessing and modifying settings inthe system. In some embodiments, the application can be configured toconnect a user's device (for example, via a Bluetooth, WiFi, wired, orcellular connection) with an online service provider to add or modifyinformation for the user that may be stored in the cloud, including usersettings 262 and the user's desired alert preferences (e.g., SMSmessages, audio, visual, haptic, intensity, frequency, etc.) for eachdevice and/or type of unsafe condition. However, even in cases without adisplay, the user may be able to interact with and control operations ofthe system. For example, the controller can include mechanical buttonsor other mechanisms by which the user can adjust various system settingsand/or power the system on or off.

In different embodiments, the application can be configured to offercontent via native controls presented via an interface. Throughout thisapplication, an “interface” may be understood to refer to a mechanismfor communicating content through a client application to an applicationuser. In some examples, interfaces may include pop-up windows that maybe presented to a user via native application user interfaces (UIs),controls, actuatable interfaces, interactive buttons or other objectsthat may be shown to a user through native application UIs, as well asmechanisms that are native to a particular application for presentingassociated content with those native controls. In addition, the terms“actuation” or “actuation event” refers to an event (or specificsequence of events) associated with a particular input or use of anapplication via an interface, which can trigger a change in the displayof the application. This can include selections or other userinteractions with the application, such as a selection of an optionoffered via a native control, or a ‘click’, toggle, voice command, orother input actions (such as a mouse left-button or right-button click,a touchscreen tap, a selection of data, or other input types).Furthermore, a “native control” refers to a mechanism for communicatingcontent through a client application to an application user. Forexample, native controls may include actuatable or selectable options or“buttons” that may be presented to a user via native application UIs,touch-screen access points, menus items, or other objects that may beshown to a user through native application UIs, segments of a largerinterface, as well as mechanisms that are native to a particularapplication for presenting associated content with those nativecontrols. The term “asset” refers to content that may be presented inassociation with a native control in a native application. As somenon-limiting examples, an asset may include text in an actuatable pop-upwindow, audio associated with the interactive click of a button or othernative application object, video associated with a teaching userinterface, or other such information presentation. In some embodiments,the application can also offer users access to a status monitordashboard that may be used to track and view past alerts, messages, andupdates regarding hazardous conditions nearby and potential areas toavoid.

Thus, based at least in part on the data collected by the one or moresensors 210, the controller 250 may be configured to generate andpresent instructions via feedback components 270 to the user to helpavoid danger related to the detected conditions. Referring now to FIG. 3, additional details regarding an embodiment of the warning managementsystem 230 and optional external knowledge sources (e.g., accessed via anetwork) are illustrated schematically as an information flow processdiagram 300. As shown in FIG. 3 , the warning management system 230 maycommunicate with one or more remote systems over a network 350, wherenetwork 350 could comprise any wide area network, local area network orother suitable network. In different embodiments, network 350 couldinclude one or more Wide Area Networks (WANs), Wi-Fi networks, Bluetoothor other Personal Area Networks, cellular networks, as well as otherkinds of networks. It may be appreciated that different modules couldcommunicate using different networks and/or communication protocols. Themodules can include computing or smart devices as well as simpler IoTdevices configured with a communications module. The communicationmodule may include a wireless connection using Bluetooth® radiotechnology, communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (includingany IEEE 802.11 revisions), Cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA,UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, or LTE), or Zigbee® technology, among otherpossibilities. In many cases, the communication module is a wirelessconnection; however, wired connections may also be used. For example,the communication module may include a wired serial bus such as auniversal serial bus or a parallel bus, among other connections.

In some cases, communication module for warning management system 230enables warning management system 230 to communicate over network 350,for example, with one or more external database systems. Each externaldatabase system can include a server (including processors and memory)and a database. As will be described below, these external databasesystems may store various kinds of information, including, but notlimited to: navigation information, geospatial information, roadconditions (for example, real-time traffic patterns), weatherinformation (including, for example, rain, snow, ice and/or floodingforecasts), as well as other kinds of information. It may be appreciatedthat warning management system 230 may both send and receive informationto and from these remote databases. Moreover, it may also be appreciatedthat in other embodiments, one or more of these databases (or parts ofthe databases) could be locally disposed within the system.

For purposes of illustration, some non-limiting examples of externaldatabases are depicted in FIG. 3 , and include external conditionsdatabase 310, a user database 320, a device network 330, and adisability accommodations database 370. The external conditions database310 may monitor and maintain information regarding current externalconditions in the area. Such conditions may include, but are not limitedto road and other path conditions, including construction reports,weather conditions, and/or time of day/year and expected illuminationlevels. Road conditions may include information about the condition ofthe current road and/or adjacent roadways, as well as sidewalks andrecreational paths. These conditions may include current traffic(vehicular and pedestrian) patterns, physical conditions (e.g.,potholes), the type of roadway (for example, a neighborhood street, ahighway, brick, paved, gravel, grass, sand, etc.), the presence of astop sign, the presence of a stoplight, the presence of a one-way sign,the presence of traffic cones or other barriers, the number of lanes, aswell as possibly other roadway and pathway condition information.Weather conditions could include, for instance, whether it is dry,raining, windy, snowing, and/or if the roads and paths are wet, dry oricy. Time of day can include an explicit time (for example, 3 pm), or ageneral timeframe such as morning, afternoon, evening and/or late-night.Time of day may also explicitly or implicitly include information aboutlighting conditions. For example, if the time of day is 9 pm, the systemcan infer that it is dark outside based on geographic and seasonalinformation.

In some embodiments, the warning management system 230 may alsocommunicate with, for example, user database 320. The user database 320may store various information related to the user's activities,settings, and preferences 324, historical information (e.g., regularjogging or driving routes) 322, as well as the user's selected operatingmode(s) 326 for the system (see FIG. 4 ).

Furthermore, in different embodiments, the warning management system 230can access information from user device network 330. The user devicenetwork 330 can comprise one or more wearable environmental monitoringand alert systems (“devices”) for multiple users connected over one ormore networks 212 to a cloud-based platform (“platform”) that isconfigured to collect, process, and analyze the ‘crowd-shared’ data.Each device of user device network 330 can include provisions forcommunicating with, and processing information from the platform as wellas other devices in user device network 330. Thus, each device mayinclude one or more processors and memory. Memory may comprise anon-transitory computer readable medium. Instructions stored withinmemory may be executed by the one or more processors. In addition, eachdevice may include a communication system such as a radio or otherprovisions for communicating using one or more communication methods. Inparticular, communication system includes provisions for communicatingwith other nearby devices and/or platform over network 350. For example,each communication system could include a Wi-Fi radio, a Bluetoothradio, and/or a cellular network radio.

As noted earlier, the environmental monitoring and alert system can beconfigured to identify location data from each registered device. Thislocation information can be shared with user device network 330, whichcan track the current location of each device in real-time ornear-real-time. In some embodiments, the system may be configured tocollect data from multiple wearable devices in order to more accuratelydetect environmental conditions. Data from multiple devices may be usedto determine patterns and/or to triangulate the location of anenvironmental condition. In such cases, the system may be configured tosend instructions to any of the devices from which data is collected.Further, the system may be configured to send instructions to devicesother than those from which data is used to detect an environmentalcondition. Accordingly, the system can detect whether the individualwearers are running, driving, or otherwise moving, in a commondirection. If multiple wearers are moving in a common direction, it maybe determined that they are moving away from something, such as adangerous condition. If multiple wearers have been avoiding a commonpath or making a detour around a particular location, it may bedetermined that an unsafe condition is present. Similarly, when anindividual device determines that the wearer is approaching an unsafecondition, it can share this information with the platform via the userdevice network 330. The collected information is used to reroute orotherwise alert other users in the area who may be further away but areheading towards the same general area.

Other data may also be interpreted to detect unsafe conditions. Forexample, in some embodiments, personal data about the wearer may becollected by the wearable devices and considered when determining theexistence of dangerous conditions. For example, in some embodiments, thewearable devices may have sensors, such as heartrate monitors andpedometers. If an increase in heartrate and/or pedometer readings isdetected, it may be a sign that wearers are fleeing some kind ofdangerous condition, or preparing to do so. When considered inconjunction with the aforementioned location, speed, and direction data,a more accurate determination may be made that a dangerous condition ispresent, especially when data is considered from multiple wearabledevices. With multiple devices, not only may the precise location of adangerous condition be triangulated, but also the accuracy of thedetermination may be higher.

In addition, in different embodiments, the warning management system 230can access information from disability accommodations database 380. Thedisability accommodations database 380 refers generally to one or moredatabases and repositories in which wheelchair and other disabilityaccessible maps and guidance are maintained stored. This can includeboth user generated maps and updates, as well as other sources such asWheelMap, AXSmap, GoogleMaps, and other ADA-approved or friendlywayfinding services. Based on the needs and preferences of the user (seeselected modes 326) the warning management system 230 can determine ifthe user is headed towards an area that is difficult to maneuver, andgenerate alerts and re-routing suggestions. This process will bediscussed further with respect to FIG. 8 .

Thus, in different embodiments, data from a wide variety of sources canbe accessed by the warning management system 230, in addition to thedata collected by sensors carried by the smart apparel and processed bysensor data processor 220. The warning management system 230 may rely onthis data to detect and identify imminent or approaching environmentalhazards. For example, warning management system 230 can apply an objectdetection algorithm to images (collected by cameras) of the environmentaround the wearer to determine whether there are potential imminenthazards. In some embodiments, identification of a potential hazard inthe roadway can cause the system to re-direct the focus of one or moreof the cameras towards that potential hazard for more intensiveanalysis.

In one embodiment, if analysis of images for a roadway (or otherpathway) shows that there is water in the roadway, a call can be made byan analysis module of a data integration module 340 to externalconditions database 310 to review local topographic conditions. inanother embodiment, the analysis module can trigger a link to externaldevices such as user device network 330 and on-site sensors 390 (e.g.,roadway cameras). In some embodiments, user history 322 containstopographical data collected from previous activity sessions for thewearable for routes that the user takes regularly. Such data may be moredetailed and more up-to-date than the information stored in otherdatabases. In some cases, data integration module 340 can refer tostored images obtained by local cameras if the smart apparel's GPScoordinates indicate that it is on a route that the user takes often. Inthis embodiment, if the GPS coordinates indicate that user history 322contains information about the current road and the analysis moduleindicates there is some potential hazard on the roadway, then the userhistory 322 may return such information to the analysis module. Forexample, analysis module may compare current images of the roadwayimmediately in front of the person with images made of the same roadwayunder hazard-free conditions. In some embodiments, the warningmanagement system can ask the wearer if images taken of the roadway on aparticular route are suitable for storage as occurring under hazard-freeconditions. In some embodiments, such images may be categorizedaccording to, for example, sunlight, nighttime, time of day, rain orother precipitation or other contextual conditions so that currentroadway images may be matched with images taken under similar contextualconditions. Thus, in some embodiments, user history 322 corrects andimproves the precision and accuracy of local topographical maps.

In different embodiments, images and other data collected by the sensorsare then analyzed for potential hazards. In some embodiments, thesepotential hazards may include floods, ice, black ice, and oil slicks, aswell as other potential hazards, such as uneven pavements, ditches, andother unsafe conditions. If a potential hazard is present (“targethazard”) an attempt to determine what it is and/or the type of hazardoccurs via an object detection algorithm. A distance assessment enginecan determine the estimated distance remaining between the user and thetarget hazard in real-time. Furthermore, a relative speed module candetermine how quickly the user and the target hazard are approaching andthe estimated time remaining before the user will be directly adjacentto the target hazard.

In some embodiments, the data gathered from these sources could be fedinto a machine learning algorithm. The machine learning algorithm couldbe used to facilitate learning patterns in external conditions thatrepresent danger to a particular user. Examples of machine learningalgorithms that could be used include, but are not limited to:supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms, andreinforcement learning algorithms. In one embodiment, if the dataintegration module 340 determines there is an imminent hazard in theroadway, it can access a warning manager 360 (see FIG. 4A) to determinewhat type of feedback(s) to provide to the user. A signal is thentransmitted from an alert generator 370 to cause alert(s) to begenerated by the one or more feedback components 270 (see FIG. 2 ).

For example, once the presence and progression of a dangerous conditionis determined by the system, messages may be delivered to the feedbackcomponent(s) with instructions related to the condition, such asdirections for evading, or otherwise avoiding, the dangerous condition.In some cases, the wearer may be proximate to the dangerous condition,but not in its path. Accordingly, the system may send a message to theuser informing them that there is a hazard nearby, but that they are ina safe location and do not need to adjust their heading. Conversely, ifthe wearer is in the path of the unsafe condition, the system maypresent messages instructing the wearer to take an alternate route thatenables them to avoid the hazard.

Additional details regarding the warning manager 360 are now providedwith respect to FIG. 4A. As noted above, the warning manager 360 is usedto determine what type of feedback to provide to the user in response tothe detection and identification of a specific unsafe condition. In FIG.4A, warning manager 360 is presented in a schematic view as including aplurality of safety response mechanisms 400 that can be triggered by thewarning management system of FIG. 3 upon detection of a particularunsafe condition near the wearer. It may be appreciated that differentembodiments could incorporate a different combinations of safetyresponse mechanisms. Some embodiments, for example, could include only asingle safety response mechanism.

In this case, warning manager safety systems 290 includes various safetyresponse mechanisms applicable to drivers or other operators ofvehicles, such as a forward-collision warning system, a blind-spotwarning system, a rear cross-traffic warning system, and a lanedeparture warning system. These safety response mechanisms may helpdrivers to avoid dangerous situations such as potential collisions or avehicle unintentionally departing from its lane or designated pathway.In addition, various safety response assistance mechanisms can beprovided, such as a lane-keeping assist system and a lane-centeringassist system. Furthermore, general safety response mechanismsapplicable to both drivers and pedestrians can include an uneven surfacewarning, object avoidance warning, step(s) warning, slippery surfacewarning, and a more generic unsafe environment condition warning whenthe system recognizes a hazard but its classification has a degree ofcertainty below a given threshold. In addition, an alternate routerecommendation module can be triggered in cases where the systemdetermines that the path ahead should be completely avoided. It shouldbe understood that these safety response mechanisms are presented forpurposes of example only, and a wide variety of other mechanisms may beimplemented as desired by the wearer. Each mechanism, when triggered,can provide a specific response or response sequence or pattern to thealert generator 370 of FIG. 3 that is adapted or specific to the type ofunsafe condition that was identified, its proximity to the user, and/orthe speed at which the unsafe condition is approaching.

In some embodiments, a user may also be able to select a particularprofile type or operation mode for the system. In one embodiment, a usermay choose one or more “roles” or modes offered by the system (e.g., viathe application interface), and the selected mode can be employed by thewarning management system when determining whether a condition is to beconsidered unsafe. The selected mode can also affect the type of alertor response that is presented to the user. As some non-limitingexamples, some roles 450 that may be selected and linked topre-configured profiles in the system include (a) pedestrian (walker);(b) cyclist; (c) jogger; (d) vision impaired (e.g., blind or legallyblind); (e) hearing impaired (e.g., deaf or legally deaf); (f) dogwalker (e.g. accompanying an animal); (g) motor-skill impairment (e.g.,unable to walk without assistance, handicapped, wheelchair users, etc.);(h) pre-selected avoidance objects (e.g., allow the user to selectspecific objects that they wish to avoid); and (i) child or childcaregiver (e.g., child or dependent is also relying on the system). Itshould be understood that these pre-configured profiles are presentedfor purposes of example only, and a wide variety of other profiles maybe implemented as desired by the wearer and/or customized orcustom-created by the wearer.

For purposes of illustration, some examples of the smart wearable systemwill be presented with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, 6, 7, and 8 . In FIGS.5A and 5B, a visually impaired user 510 is shown walking on a crosswalk504 in an urban area 500. In FIG. 5A, the visually impaired user 510 iswalking with the assistance of a guide dog 512 and a probing cane 514.In this situation, the visually impaired user 510 must maintain care andattention to her animal, and is restricted in the use of her hands. Inaddition, while a guide dog is trained to navigate various obstacles,they are red-green color blind and incapable of interpreting streetsignals. Thus, as one example, the green “GO” or walk indicator or a red“STOP” indicator on a traffic signal 502 is not information that can beused by the guide dog 512 or the visually impaired user 510.

In contrast, in FIG. 5B, the same visually impaired user 510 is walkingalong crosswalk 504 in urban area 500. However, in this case, thevisually impaired user 510 is wearing a smart sweatshirt 550 thatincludes an embodiment of the systems described herein. For example,smart sweatshirt 550 includes a forward-facing sensor 562 disposed alongher abdomen, and a first haptic-feedback component 560 disposed alongher chest. In addition, a first arm sensor 572 can be seen on her rightforearm and a second arm sensor 574 on her left forearm. A second-hapticfeedback component 570 is located around her right upper arm. Otherhaptic-feedback components and sensors may also be arranged alongvarious regions of the smart sweatshirt 550, such as around her neck,back, wrist, waist, shoulders, or other areas. The smart sweatshirt 550also includes a controller system and rechargeable power source (seeFIG. 2 ) that can be attached or integrated within the fabric of thewearable and connected to the sensors and feedback components (via awired or wireless connection).

While wearing the smart sweatshirt 550, the visually impaired user 510can be informed of upcoming obstacles and other unsafe conditions.Having selected the “vision impaired” mode (see FIG. 4B), the system isconfigured to alert the user to approaching the other side of the street(sidewalk 506) as well as the status of the traffic signal 502, and canconvey this information to the visually impaired user 510, by audiosignals emitted via headphones 560, and/or via tactile-based feedback.For example, in some embodiments, a series of audio messages candescribe the distance to the end of the sidewalk, the difference inheight between the sidewalk and road, whether a ramp or sloped surfaceis available, whether other pedestrians are ahead or nearby, whethervehicles are traveling on the roadway, as well as the current indicatorbeing displayed by the traffic signal 502. Similarly, haptic-feedbackcomponents can be configured to vibrate on her left arm to either guidethe user toward the left or alert the user to avoid the left, and tovibrate on her right arm to either guide the user toward the right or toavoid the right. The intensity of the vibration can correspond to theproximity of the impending obstacle. The vibration can also be emittedin a particular pattern that conveys to the visually impaired user 510what type of obstacle is ahead. Vibrations can also serve as an alert tothe user to stop, or to inform her that the conditions are now safe, orany other range of signals that can be established by either or both ofthe user and the system. For example, different patterns and intensitiesof vibrations along her abdomen can be triggered to suggest a slower orfaster walking speed, or that the user is approaching a stairwell, thecurrent status of a traffic signal ahead, a change in ground surfacetype or a narrowing of a path, the ending of a paved surface, or aslippery surface.

Other embodiments of the wearable environmental monitoring and alertsystem may include provisions for interconnecting multiple wearablearticles to a single system. In FIG. 6 , a dog walker 610 is trudgingthrough snowy, windy, winter (low-visibility) conditions in a park 600with her dog 680 held on a leash in one hand and a pet waste container682 in her other hand. In addition, dog walker 610 is wrapped in severallayers of clothing, including a scarf around her face, a beanie hat 620,a coat 630, and a pair of boots, including a first boot 640 and a secondboot 644. In some embodiments, the system is configured to incorporateinformation from multiple smart articles and provide feedback throughthe same or other articles. In this case, simply for purposes ofexample, the beanie hat 620 can be seen to include a first sensor 622,while first boot 640 includes a second sensor 642 and second bootincludes a third sensor 646.

In different embodiments, each of these sensors—and other sensors thatmay be disposed on other portions of her apparel, including the coat630, scarf, leggings, gloves, etc.—can be part of a larger collection ofwearables through which system 650 collects data. In other words, themultiple components of apparel, each with its own sensor assembly, canwork in concert to provide a mesh sensor network, such as but notlimited to networks employing Wireless Mesh Sensor Networks (WMSNs)technology and/or other distributed wireless sensor technology. The meshsensor network can be used to connect separate sensor components, toconnect sensor nodes with a cloud or remote monitoring platform, orprovide a scalable backbone for sensor to sensor communication. Eachsensor source communicates wirelessly with the controller, allowing thesystem to easily determine whether any unsafe conditions are near to thewearer. In some cases, a user may select the desired articles of apparelindividually and then connect the selected items to permit communicationamong the sensors in each article. Thus, the user can customize theirown “sensor outfit” that can include two or more smart articles ofapparel that may be worn on different parts of the body, as shown inFIG. 6 . In one embodiment, these smart articles can be registered andlinked to a single user account, and can then be configured tocommunicate with and be managed by the same controller assembly. Thesensor outfit can be worn by the same user at the same time and eachpiece of apparel operates as part of larger warning system. Each articleof apparel can offer its own sensor array or arrangement, which can alsobe selected by the user depending on the type of apparel desired and/orthe type of sensor desired. A set of headphones 690 can also beconnected to the system to receive and emit audible feedback asdescribed earlier. In some embodiments, a display or LED panel may alsobe worn or held by the user that is configured to receive messages andother information from the system.

In FIG. 6 , the various sensors are wirelessly connected to a controllerembedded in coat 630; however, in other embodiments, the controller canbe located elsewhere on the user. Similarly, a plurality of feedbackcomponents can be distributed on any of the user's apparel items andwirelessly connected to the controller. In this case, a haptic feedbackcomponent 632 is wrapped around an upper arm of the dog walker 610. Indifferent embodiments, the user can obtain additional articles ofapparel that include other sensors and/or feedback components; eachadditional article can be registered with her system and operable aspart of a smart ensemble network that is customized by the user andconfigured to communicate wirelessly to perform the variety of functionsas described herein.

In different embodiments, embodiments of the proposed system can includeprovisions for receiving data from sensors worn by the user as well asexternal databases and other on-site sensor sources (see FIG. 3 ). Oneexample of such an arrangement is presented with respect to FIG. 7 . InFIG. 7 , an urban highway 700 is shown in which a plurality of sensors724 are disposed along a roadway 704 at regular intervals. Specifically,a plurality of sensory assemblies is disposed on streetlights 706. Inone embodiment, a sensory assembly can include one or more of cameras,motion sensors, and wireless network devices configured to communicateover a network. The cameras may take images of roadway 704 as well asany passing vehicles. Such cameras could take still images or video.Image information captured by cameras could be analyzed to detectproblematic driving behaviors (such as swerving, speeding or recklessdriving). In some embodiments, image information captured by camerascould also be analyzed to detect vehicle collisions, unexpectedobstacles, road work, or other aberrations in traffic that couldrepresent a hazard to drivers. Motion sensors may also capture motionalong, or near, roadway 704. In some cases, motion information detectedby motion sensors could be used to trigger one or more other sensors,such as cameras. This allows other sensors to remain inactive untilmotion is detected. In some cases, information from motion sensors couldalso be used to detect stationary vehicles, either directly orindirectly. For example, if a motion sensor detects that a vehicle isnot moving in the middle of a roadway, this information can be used toinfer that the vehicle has either broken down or been involved in acollision. One or more of these on-site sensors may transmit data to acentral database, allowing the data to be pooled and shared withwearable environmental monitoring and alert systems in the area, furtherexpanding the capacity of that system to detect unsafe conditions in thearea and provide alerts.

In addition, systems worn by other users in the area can be configuredto share data with a user device network (see FIG. 3 ). For example, afirst user 720 in a wheelchair is moving along a sidewalk 702 adjacentto the roadway 704 while employing a first personal wearableenvironmental monitoring and alert system. Similarly, a second user 722is also walking in the opposite direction (i.e., toward the first user720) while employing a second personal wearable environmental monitoringand alert system. In some embodiments, one or more drivers on roadway704 can also be using their own wearable environmental monitoring andalert system. For example, of a plurality of vehicles 730, a firstvehicle 732 includes a driver or occupant who is currently employing athird personal wearable environmental monitoring and alert system. Inaddition, a biker 710 riding along the roadway 704 among vehicles 730 isemploying a fourth personal wearable environmental monitoring and alertsystem. One or more of the wearable environmental monitoring and alertsystems illustrated in FIG. 7 may be transmitting data from associatedsensors being worn by their respective user to a central database,allowing the data to be pooled and shared with nearby systems, furtherexpanding and enhancing the capacity of each system to accurately detectunsafe conditions in the area and provide alerts. The individualwearable systems can be configured to communicate via a network and thusmay include any devices capable of communicating over one or morewireless networks. These include wide area networks, local area networksand personal area networks. display

As noted earlier, in some embodiments, the proposed system can includeprovisions for rerouting users in response to the detection of unsafeconditions. One example of this arrangement is illustrated with respectto FIG. 8 . In FIG. 8 , a map 840 is depicted that may be shown to awearer of a personal wearable environmental monitoring and alert systemvia a display included with or connected to the user's system. The userin this case is traveling in a wheelchair, currently located at a firstposition 830. The user has indicated he will be traveling along hisnormal route 810 via a first road 808 to a destination 850. However, thesystem, in communication with various databases, on-site sensors, andthe local user device network, determines that the selected pathincludes obstacles such as sidewalk construction, surface irregularitiesor closures that would cause the user difficulty or may be otherwiseunsafe, here identified as a first hazard 822 and a second hazard 824.The normal route 810 has been identified as undesirable by a first label812. Instead, the system recommends a secondary route 820, which may beslightly longer, but is clear of any obstructions, and is otherwisewheelchair friendly, as identified by a second label 814. Thus, ratherthan discover belatedly that the user's planned route is impassable, thesystem can take advantage of its expanded network of information sourcesto help guide the user along a safer path to the same destination. Inother embodiments, a user may enter their planned route to a newdestination and the system can be configured to provide feedback aboutthe selected path, such as the quality of the terrain, how steep orhilly the path will be, the traffic conditions in the area, and othersuch undesirable conditions.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method 900 ofalerting a user of a wearable environmental monitoring system to thepresence of a nearby unsafe condition. A first step 910 includesreceiving first data from a first sensor about one or more conditions ofa physical environment in a sensor range of an article of apparel wornby the user. In this case, the article of apparel includes the firstsensor. A second step 920 includes determining, based on the first data,that an unsafe condition is present at a first location in the physicalenvironment, and a third step 930 includes receiving second data about aspeed and direction of the user during a first time period from a secondsensor of the article of apparel. In a fourth step 940 the methodincludes determining, based on the second data, that the user wasapproaching the first location during the first time period. Finally, afifth step 950 includes causing, in response to the determination thatthe user is approaching the first location during the first time period,a first alert to be generated by a first feedback component of thearticle of apparel.

In other embodiments, the method may include additional steps oraspects. In one embodiment, the method can also include steps ofreceiving third data about a speed and direction of the user during asecond time period subsequent to the first time period, determining,based on the second data, that the user continues to approach the firstlocation during the second time period, and causing, in response to thedetermination that the user is approaching the first location during thesecond time period, a second alert to be generated by the first feedbackcomponent that is of a greater intensity than the first alert. Inanother example, the method can further include steps of causing, inresponse to the determination that the user is approaching the firstlocation during the first time period, a second alert to also begenerated by a second feedback component of the article of apparel. Inthis case, the first feedback component is configured to emit hapticfeedback and the second feedback component is configured to emit audiofeedback.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method also includes a step ofreceiving a selection of a first operation mode for the wearableenvironmental monitoring system, for example via a user interface forthe system. In such cases, the determination that the unsafe conditionis present at a first location in the physical environment is furtherbased on the selected first operation mode.

In some embodiments, the first sensor is one of a camera, proximitysensor, and chemical sensor. In another example, the second sensor isone of a gyroscope, accelerometer, and motion sensor. In one embodiment,the first alert includes directions for avoiding the unsafe condition.In some cases, the first feedback component is configured to generateone of haptic-based output, audio-based output, and visual-based output.

In addition, in some embodiments, the system controller furthercomprises a communication module configured to receive and transmit datavia a network connection. In another embodiment, the system controlleris in communication with a first external database configured to providecurrent external weather conditions for a geographical area in which thearticle of apparel is located. In yet another example, the systemcontroller is in communication with a first external database configuredto provide current traffic and road conditions for a geographical areain which the article of apparel (and user) is located. In oneembodiment, the system controller is in communication with a user devicenetwork configured to pool data received from other wearableenvironmental monitoring systems in order to more accurately detectunsafe conditions around each wearable environmental monitoring system.In some cases, the system controller is in communication with awheelchair-accessible navigational database.

The embodiments discussed herein may make use of methods and systems inartificial intelligence to improve efficiency and effectiveness of thedisclosed systems. As used herein, “artificial intelligence” may includeany known methods in machine learning and related fields. As examples,artificial intelligence may include systems and methods used in deeplearning and machine vision.

As described herein, the proposed systems and methods offer significantassistance and value to users, particularly those who are morevulnerable to safety issues in their environment. By including andemploying multiple sensors and feedback components, the awareness ofusers of their surroundings can be enhanced and/or supplemented. Asdescribed herein, the wearable system could be used by people who arevisually impaired or otherwise physically disabled. The wearable systemcan provide audible or proprioceptive feedback when safety issues aredetected where a person is traveling. The audible or proprioceptivefeedback could help guide a user around the safety issue. Additionalinformation can be obtained in cases where multiple wearable systems arenetworked together in a user device network to share information aboutthe current location of safety hazards. Furthermore, a hazard that mayonly be dangerous for someone walking may not be shared or result in analert being presented to someone who is driving or riding a bike. Thistype of selective approach can ensure users are not distracted orinundated by unnecessary or irrelevant alerts.

The processes and methods of the embodiments described in this detaileddescription and shown in the figures can be implemented using any kindof computing system having one or more central processing units (CPUs)and/or graphics processing units (GPUs). The processes and methods ofthe embodiments could also be implemented using special purposecircuitry such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Theprocesses and methods of the embodiments may also be implemented oncomputing systems including read only memory (ROM) and/or random accessmemory (RAM), which may be connected to one or more processing units.Examples of computing systems and devices include, but are not limitedto: servers, cellular phones, smart phones, tablet computers, notebookcomputers, e-book readers, laptop or desktop computers, all-in-onecomputers, as well as various kinds of digital media players.

The processes and methods of the embodiments can be stored asinstructions and/or data on non-transitory computer-readable media. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium may include any suitablecomputer readable medium, such as a memory, such as RAM, ROM, flashmemory, or any other type of memory known in the art. In someembodiments, the non-transitory computer readable medium may include,for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, anoptical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of suchdevices. More specific examples of the non-transitory computer readablemedium may include a portable computer diskette, a floppy disk, a harddisk, magnetic disks or tapes, a read-only memory (ROM), a random accessmemory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), electrically erasable programmableread-only memories (EEPROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD and DVD-ROM),a memory stick, other kinds of solid state drives, and any suitablecombination of these exemplary media. A non-transitory computer readablemedium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitorysignals, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagneticwaves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or othertransmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-opticcable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium forcarrying out operations of the present invention may beinstruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, assembler instructions,machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode,firmware instructions, configuration data for integrated circuitry,state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any of oneor more programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or suitable language, and proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described in association withfigures illustrating flowcharts and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems), and computing products. It will be understood thateach block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams can be implemented bycomputer readable instructions. The flowcharts and block diagrams in thefigures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of various disclosed embodiments. Accordingly,each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module,segment, or portion of instructions. In some implementations, thefunctions set forth in the figures and claims may occur in analternative order than listed and/or illustrated.

The embodiments may utilize any kind of network for communicationbetween separate computing systems. A network can comprise anycombination of local area networks (LANs) and/or wide area networks(WANs), using both wired and wireless communication systems. A networkmay use various known communications technologies and/or protocols.Communication technologies can include, but are not limited to:Ethernet, 802.11, worldwide interoperability for microwave access(WiMAX), mobile broadband (such as CDMA, and LTE), digital subscriberline (DSL), cable internet access, satellite broadband, wireless ISP,fiber optic internet, as well as other wired and wireless technologies.Networking protocols used on a network may include transmission controlprotocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), multiprotocol label switching(MPLS), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), hypertext transport protocol(HTTP), hypertext transport protocol secure (HTTPS) and file transferprotocol (FTP) as well as other protocols.

Data exchanged over a network may be represented using technologiesand/or formats including hypertext markup language (HTML), extensiblemarkup language (XML), Atom, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), YAML, aswell as other data exchange formats. In addition, informationtransferred over a network can be encrypted using conventionalencryption technologies such as secure sockets layer (SSL), transportlayer security (TLS), and Internet Protocol security (Ipsec).

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shownin the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description,many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Anyfeature of any embodiment may be used in combination with, orsubstituted for, any other feature or element in any other embodimentunless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood thatany of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure maybe implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, theembodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changesmay be made within the scope of the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. A wearable environmental monitoring system comprising: anarticle of apparel including at least a first sensor and a secondsensor, the article of apparel being one of a garment and footwear thatis configured to be worn by a user; a system controller associated withthe article of apparel, the system controller comprising a processor andmachine-readable media including instructions which, when executed bythe processor, cause the processor to: receive, from the user, aselection of a first operation mode that comprises a pre-configuredprofile which affects the type of alert that will be presented to theuser; receive first data about one or more conditions of a physicalenvironment in a sensor range of the article of apparel from the firstsensor; determine, based on the first data and the selected firstoperation mode, that a first unsafe condition is present at a firstlocation in the physical environment; receive second data about a speedand direction of the article of apparel during a first time period fromthe second sensor; determine, based on the second data, that the articleof apparel was approaching the first location during the first timeperiod; select a first alert type based on the first operation mode; andcause, in response to the determination that the article of apparel isapproaching the first location during the first time period, a firstalert of the first alert type to be generated by a first feedbackcomponent of the article of apparel.
 2. The wearable environmentalmonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause theprocessor to: receive third data about a speed and direction of thearticle of apparel during a second time period subsequent to the firsttime period; determine, based on the second data, that the article ofapparel continues to approach the first location during the second timeperiod; and cause, in response to the determination that the article ofapparel is approaching the first location during the second time period,a second alert to be generated by the first feedback component that isof a greater intensity than the first alert, the first feedbackcomponent being a forward-facing haptic-feedback component providingtactile-based feedback and being disposed along the user's abdomen. 3.The wearable environmental monitoring system of claim 1, wherein theinstructions further cause the processor to cause, in response to thedetermination that the article of apparel is approaching the firstlocation during the first time period, a second alert to also begenerated by a second feedback component of the article of apparel,wherein the first feedback component is disposed along a right arm ofthe user and the second feedback component is disposed along a left armof the user.
 4. The wearable environmental monitoring system of claim 3,wherein the first feedback component vibrates to alert the user to avoidthe right and the second feedback component vibrates to alert the userto avoid the left.
 5. The wearable environmental monitoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the second sensor is one of a gyroscope, accelerometer,and motion sensor.
 6. The wearable environmental monitoring system ofclaim 3, wherein the first feedback component vibrates to guide the usertoward the right and the second feedback component vibrates to guide theuser toward the left.
 7. A wearable environmental monitoring system fordetecting unsafe conditions, comprising: a first article of apparelbeing one of a vest, shirt, and sweatshirt that is configured to be wornby a user to which a first sensor and a first feedback component areattached; a system controller associated with the first article ofapparel and connected to both the first sensor and the first feedbackcomponent, the system controller being configured to: receive, from theuser, a selection of a first operation mode that comprises apre-configured profile which affects the type of alert that will bepresented to the user, and select a first alert type based on the firstoperation mode; and a rechargeable battery configured to provide powerto the wearable environmental monitoring system.
 8. The wearableenvironmental monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the first sensor isone of a camera, proximity sensor, chemical sensor, gyroscope,accelerometer, and motion sensor.
 9. The wearable environmentalmonitoring system of claim 7, wherein the first feedback component isconfigured to generate one of haptic-based output, audio-based output,and visual-based output.
 10. The wearable environmental monitoringsystem of claim 7, further comprising a second article of apparel beingone of footwear and gloves to which a second sensor and a secondfeedback component are attached, and wherein the system controller isfurther connected to both the second sensor and the second feedbackcomponent.
 11. The wearable environmental monitoring system of claim 7,wherein the system controller triggers the first feedback component to:vibrate in a first pattern to alert the user when approaching a firsttype of hazard, and vibrate in a second pattern to alert the user whenapproaching a second type of hazard that differs from the first type ofhazard, the first pattern differing from the second pattern.
 12. Thewearable environmental monitoring system of claim 7, wherein the systemcontroller triggers the first feedback component to vibrate in a firstpattern to alert the user that they are approaching a slippery surface.13. The wearable environmental monitoring system of claim 7, wherein thesystem controller triggers the first feedback component to vibrate in afirst pattern to indicate the current status of a traffic signal aheadof the user.
 14. The wearable environmental monitoring system of claim10, wherein the system controller is in communication with awheelchair-accessible navigational database, and the system controllertriggers the first feedback component to vibrate in a first pattern toindicate the ending of a paved surface ahead of the user, as determinedbased on information in the wheelchair-accessible navigation database.15. A method of alerting a user of a wearable environmental monitoringsystem to the presence of a nearby unsafe condition, the methodcomprising: receiving first data from a first sensor embedded in anarticle of apparel worn by a user about one or more conditions of aphysical environment, the article of apparel being one of a garment orfootwear; receiving, from the user, a selection of a first operationmode that comprises a pre-configured profile which affects the type ofalert that will be presented to the user; determining, based on thefirst data and the selected first operation mode, that a first unsafecondition is present at a first location in the physical environment;receiving second data about a speed and direction of the user during afirst time period from a second sensor of the article of apparel;determining, based on the second data, that the user was approaching thefirst location during the first time period; select a first alert typebased on the first operation mode; and causing, in response to thedetermination that the user is approaching the first location during thefirst time period, a first alert of the first alert type to be generatedby a first feedback component of the article of apparel.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: receiving third data about a speed anddirection of the user during a second time period subsequent to thefirst time period; determining, based on the second data, that the usercontinues to approach the first location during the second time period;and causing, in response to the determination that the user isapproaching the first location during the second time period, a secondalert to be generated by the first feedback component that is of agreater intensity than the first alert, the first feedback componentbeing a forward-facing haptic-feedback component providing tactile-basedfeedback and being disposed along the user's abdomen.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising causing, in response to the determinationthat the user is approaching the first location during the first timeperiod, a second alert to also be generated by a second feedbackcomponent of the article of apparel, wherein the first feedbackcomponent is disposed along a right arm of the user and the secondfeedback component is disposed along a left arm of the user.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the first feedback component vibrates toalert the user to avoid the right and the second feedback componentvibrates to alert the user to avoid the left.
 19. The method of claim15, wherein the second sensor is one of a gyroscope, accelerometer, andmotion sensor.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first feedbackcomponent vibrates to guide the user toward the right and the secondfeedback component vibrates to guide the user toward the left.